I died twice. Then played for Trump and Obama

I joined the U.S. Military in 2008 as a fight engineer. I used to be fairly excited as a result of it was a reminder of the promise that I made myself in eighth grade to hitch and shield my nation.

I already knew from phrase of mouth that primary coaching can be fairly brutal and intense, so once I began that complete course of, it was an journey for me. No matter got here my manner, I felt prefer it was one other problem. I am a really aggressive individual, I like to perform issues individuals suppose I’ll by no means be capable to.

In Afghanistan on July 2, 2011, I used to be purported to have a time off, however my platoon chief got here into our tent, woke us all up, and advised us that we had a particular mission. So, I grabbed all of my gear and went on the mission.

Identical to each mission earlier than that, we thought it could be fairly regular. Our each day duties concerned trying to find improvised explosive units (IEDs), driving round in our automobiles, in search of any bombs on the roads, and clearing the routes.

Little did I do know that this explicit day can be not like another.

I used to be driving round in our convoy, transferring on the tempo of simply 5 miles per hour, guaranteeing we did not miss something. We discovered ourselves on probably the most harmful route in your complete space however we have been being extraordinarily cautious, analyzing the bottom for any indicators of hazard.

It was throughout that course of that my automobile unknowingly rolled over an IED. The individual with the detonator, hiding behind a tree, pressed the button. Straight away, my truck flew into the air and slammed down onto its aspect.

The affect of the explosion was devastating. It not solely despatched my truck hurtling via the air, however it additionally resulted within the amputation of each my legs. My left femur was snapped in half, my pelvis shattered, and my backbone dislocated from my pelvis. My proper arm was snapped at a 90-degree angle, and I misplaced my proper center finger. The drive of the affect precipitated my entrance tooth to be knocked out as my face struck the steering wheel. And internally, all the things inside my torso was destroyed, apart from my coronary heart and left lung.

Usually, the underside of our truck is formed like a V, designed to redirect any blasts upwards and away from the occupants. However this time, the IED discovered its manner via that V-shaped opening and instantly handed beneath the spot the place I used to be sitting.

That was the primary time an IED had ever penetrated a truck like mine, generally known as an RG-31. That they had by no means managed to breach its defenses earlier than, however this time that they had found a manner, and the explosive tore straight via.

There have been two different troopers with me through the incident: My truck commander, Sergeant Keinow, and my gunner, Specialist Krieger. Fortunately, each of them survived.

Individuals typically ask if I keep in mind what occurred once I was blown up, and the reality is, I keep in mind all of it too properly. I used to be nonetheless aware for many of it, which made the expertise much more vivid in my thoughts.

I needed to depend on my proper damaged arm to push myself off my truck commander, who was sitting within the passenger seat. As I regarded down, I seen that my uniform and pants have been drenched in blood, from prime to backside. I knew I used to be injured, however I did not understand how dangerous it was till after.

Throughout the first two weeks on the hospital, I flatlined twice and technically died in Germany, however was fortunately revived. I remained in Germany for 2 weeks because the medical doctors carried out surgical procedures on me. After that, I used to be transferred to Washington, D.C.

My dad was there with me for more often than not I spent within the hospital throughout these preliminary days.

I’ve distinct recollections of my relations coming into the room to go to me. My siblings would enter, and I’d be mendacity there, partially out of it. They might attempt to talk with me, to speak and join, however they could not maintain again their tears.

These moments have been extremely intense and full of emotion.

Within the hospital, the physician knowledgeable me that I would not be a candidate for prosthetics. However deep inside, it ignited a fireplace inside me. I used to be decided to show him improper. If he thought I would not be capable to stroll once more, I used to be decided to do precisely that.

However the restoration course of was robust. I got here near ending my life 12 occasions throughout that interval, not due to the bodily ache or the bodily remedy, however due to the psychological anguish. Trying within the mirror was the toughest half for me.

Fortunately, I turned to my religion to search out energy and encouragement all through all of it. It jogged my memory that there is a goal for my life, regardless of the challenges. Due to that, I used to be capable of stroll on prosthetic legs utilizing intense bodily remedy, in simply six months.

In October 2012, I used to be in a mindset of searching for goal and steerage from God. I felt prompted by God to select up a guitar, which shocked me as a result of though I used to be a drummer, I might by no means performed the guitar earlier than.

However the message was clear: Choose up a guitar and pursue music.

Instantly after, I had an emotional second whereas listening to a tune on the radio known as “Solely a Mountain” by Jason Castro. The tune jogged my memory that all the things I used to be going via was only a mountain, one thing I may overcome with willpower.

It deeply resonated with me that if I may overcome all of the ache and struggling, with God giving me energy and the Holy Spirit guiding me and reminding me of my ardour for music, then others can discover the identical energy in their very own challenges.

And it was thrilling seeing how my vocal cords had healed from the harm. After the medical doctors eliminated all the things from the tracheotomy, they unintentionally tousled my vocal cords and advised me I’d have a humorous manner of talking and by no means sing once more.

I by no means realized how essential these phrases of that tune can be to me.

After going via remedy in Texas in 2012, I spotted it was one of the best place for me to quiet down. It gave me easy accessibility to the help I wanted with my prosthetics.

There was a specific second once I grew to become pissed off with a gaggle of people that have been mowing my garden as a result of I could not do it myself. They have been extremely impolite, to say the least.

I made a decision that even when it took some time, I used to be going to mow my very own garden. I did not wish to rely on others. That is when a good friend advised me about Semper Fi & America’s Fund and I discovered how unimaginable they’re in supporting veterans and their households.

So, I made a decision to offer them a name. I wasn’t precisely positive what they may do for veterans, however I figured it was value a shot.

I advised them: “Hey, I do not know if you happen to guys will help me out, however I might actually recognize it if I may get a lawnmower so I can care for my very own garden with out counting on anybody else.”

I made it clear that although I am a double amputee, I am a tough employee and I can deal with it myself. Their response? “We’ll care for it as quickly as doable.”

They acknowledged that I used to be a professional veteran and was one hundred pc disabled. That straightforward act of offering a lawnmower turned them into household. They have been with me each step of the way in which since then.

It wasn’t only a one-time buy; they genuinely care and have requested: “JP, how can we assist? What do you want?” They have been there all through this complete journey, helping with journey bills and getting me in entrance of 1000’s of individuals so I can encourage them with my story and testimony.

In 2013, I had the unimaginable alternative of performing for former U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on the Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball throughout his inauguration week. And in 2017, I carried out “Solely a Mountain” on the similar ball for the inauguration of Donald Trump.

It was an honor to be a part of such historic occasions. Donald Trump positively loved the efficiency. I had the possibility to talk with him personally, and he expressed real gratitude for my service.

He has at all times been a powerful supporter of veterans and the army, which was evident in our dialog. It was additionally attention-grabbing to notice simply how tall he’s in individual. Total, it was a tremendous expertise, and I’d say it was one of the best inauguration I have been part of.

The sensation I had throughout these performances was indescribable. It was as if all the things was aligned, pointing again to God.

Individuals typically commend me for my expertise and examine me as somebody outstanding, however I at all times remind them that it isn’t about me. It is about God’s presence in my life. Singing once I wasn’t purported to, strolling when it appeared inconceivable, these are all reflections of God’s work.

My life is a testomony to that. It is a sequence of occasions that defy odds and expectations.

Specialist (Ret.) JP Lane joined the U.S. Military in 2008 as a fight engineer. His religion in God led him to search out music, which he credit with saving his life. He reached out to Semper Fi & America’s Fund for help as his 5 acres proved tough to keep up given his situation. The Fund supplied JP with utilities, transportation, and a spot of their household. At this time JP continues to encourage others via his music, story, and function in The Fund.

All views expressed on this article are the creator’s personal.

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